Further tests showed that the mosquitoes avoided traps placed next to cages containing live chickens and those baited with compounds from chicken feathers, the Malaria Journal reported.
Dr Ignell added: "People in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered considerably under the burden of malaria over an extended period of time and mosquitoes are becoming increasingly physiologically resistant to pesticides, while also changing their feeding habits for example by moving from indoors to outdoors.
"For this reason there is a need to develop novel control methods. In our study, we have been able to identify a number of natural odour compounds which could repel host-seeking malaria mosquitoes and prevent them from getting in contact with people."
